September 03, 2010
From the desk of Jana Falic, WIZO USA President: Conference of Presidents Denounces Murder
Alan P. Solow
Chairman
Malcolm I. Hoenlein
Executive Vice Chairman
Media Contact: Malcolm Hoenlein, 212-318-6111
CONFERENCE OF PRESIDENTS DENOUNCES THE BARBARIC TERRORIST MURDER THAT KILLED FOUR ISRAELI CIVILIANS
PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY MUST CEASE HONORING TERRORISTS
New York, August 31, 2010 … Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement about the terrorist attack near Kiryat Arba earlier today.
“We are outraged and deeply saddened by the barbaric terrorist attack that claimed the lives of four innocent people and left 10 children orphaned. Hamas has proudly taken credit for this brutal and inhumane act. The government of Israel must take the steps it deems appropriate to protect its citizens. The international community must stand behind Israel and take decisive steps to end Hamas’ reign of terror. The international condemnations of Israel for measures to defend its borders and citizens, a right accorded every other nation, only encourages the terrorists. The UN and the international community must hold to account those who aid, abet and supply terrorist organizations. The discovery in recent days in the Sinai of huge quantities of weapons destined for Hamas, including hundreds of Strela anti-aircraft missiles, underscores the urgency for decisive action. While the Palestinian Authority has condemned the attack, saying it harms Palestinian interests, they cannot continue to honor those responsible for terrorist attacks, declaring them shahids and allowing the incitement against Israel and Israelis to continue. The glorification of murderers will only encourage others to emulate them,” said Conference of Presidents Chairman Alan Solow and Executive Vice Chairman Malcolm Hoenlein.
“As the talks in Washington begin – and they should go forward – security must be the priority issue. Such bloodshed will only assure the failure of the negotiations. We know this is the terrorists’ intent and they should not be rewarded, but their threats of continued violence cannot and must not be ignored,” said Solow and Hoenlein. “We express our condolences to the families of the victims and all the people of Israel.”
The Conference of Presidents is the central coordinating body representing 51 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern.